Underrated US Weekend Getaways in Every Region

Coastal bliss, mountain magic, and historical gems all lay hidden in plain sight.
burlington vermont


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best decisions in travel. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money .

Say what you want; the weekend getaway is an art few have mastered. And if you’ve been searching for the best weekend getaways near me, you’ve come to the right place. 

A tight timeframe, maximum coverage, and the energy and enthusiasm to see it all through with aplomb takes some practice, but for the purpose of this article, we’re going to assume our readers are seasoned pros.

All we’re offering are a few underrated destinations from every corner of the country to add to your weekend warrior hit list and, of course, a banging hotel to crash at while you’re there. We think you’ll like them.

Time to hit the road. Here’s our short list of the best weekend getaways near me. 

New England

Blind Tiger

burlington vermont
Photo: Tripadvisor

Location: Burlington, Vermont
Price: $250+ 
Vibe: Victorian splendor
The rundown: Looking for the best weekend getaways near me in New England? Check out Vermont. As a whole, the state slips well under the radar of many travelers. Often dwarfed by the big favorites like Massachusetts and Connecticut, those who venture to Vermont’s colorful pastures are in for a surprise. Blessed with one of the greatest fall treescapes in the country, the state is a true New English gem.

The star of the show is Burlington, the largest city in the state (and the least populous city in the US to be the most populous in a state). It’s charming, with creative energy fueled by the local university, and boasts several well-outsized attractions. We’d recommend staying in Blind Tiger, a stunning Victorian mansion kept in pristine condition. Breakfast in the sunroom before a day of exploration is perfection. 

Mid Atlantic

Light Horse Inn

harpers ferry
Photo: Tripadvisor

Location: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Price: $150+
Vibe: Country roadsssss, take me homeee
The rundown: West Virginia is ludicrously overlooked by American travelers. Looming quietly in the shadow of the Shenandoah Mountains, the entire state is ripe for exploration by outdoor enthusiasts. The little town of Harpers Ferry even ticks the boxes for history buffs, too.

While it’s perfect as a base for hiking, rafting, and the rest, a stay in the town is as close to stepping back in time as you’ll find anywhere in the country. Its old town is, in effect, an open-air museum designed to remain as it was in the 19th century. Light Horse Inn is the place to stay. Starting life over two hundred years ago as an inn for hopeful prospectors heading to the Western frontier, it’s a piece of history you can live in.

The Southeast

The Hive

wilmington nc
Photo: Tripadvisor

Location: Wilmington, North Carolina 
Price: $250+
Vibe: Carolina’s finest
The rundown: Wilmington is already a growing favorite for northern snowbirds, but it’s yet to really grip the tourist market beyond its own state. Inundated with multiple outstanding beaches and showcasing a fantastic historic district along the Cape Fear River, North Carolina’s eighth-biggest city is a stunner (and writer Steven’s old stomping grounds).

Its beer scene is spectacular, its culinary delights are vast, and the atmosphere is always poised perfectly between party-hard and chilled-out. For a stay, we’d recommend The Hive, a brilliant little 15-room hotel in the downtown region. It’s stumbling distance to all the best bars and restaurants and an easy drive to the beach. As a sidebar, for all those millennials still wishing they went to One Tree Hill High, Wilmington served as the backdrop.

The Midwest

The Pfister Hotel

milwaukee wisconsin
Photo: Tripadvisor

Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Price: $270+
Vibe: Lakeside luxury
The rundown: Milwaukee’s bigger than Atlanta, Miami, Kansas City, Raleigh, and Orlando. But how many of you have actually been there? And why not? It’s stunning! Perched on the banks of Lake Michigan, the city is bursting with European history, drowning (in a good way) in beer, and it’s super clean.

Wisconsin’s largest city deserves a place on your weekend getaway list, and the Pfister Hotel is the place to stay. Opened over 100 years ago and designed to be the epitome of luxury in the Midwest, it still holds that reputation today. Grab a couple of Buds and hit the road—Milwaukee’s calling.

The Rocky Mountains

Amigo Motor Lodge

salida colorado
Photo: Tripadvisor

Location: Salida, Colorado
Price: $165+
Vibe: Mountain motor home
The rundown: You already know the Colorado big names. Why not try something a little more off the beaten track but just as exciting? Salida is regarded as the heart of the Rockies; laced from head to toe with biking and hiking trails and fueled by the gushing rapids of the Arkansas River, being bored is borderline impossible here.

For a unique stay in line with the feel of the town, grab an airstream in the Amigo Motor Lodge. Comfortable, stylish, and cool enough to make you a little giddy, it’s the perfect place to base yourself for adventure (and hopefully beat the crowds in the process).

The Southwest

Hotel Indigo

el paso texas
Photo: Tripadvisor

Location: El Paso, Texas
Price: $117+
Vibe: Budget on the border
The rundown: El Paso is a city on the rise. While its recent exposure may have more to do with politics and the complex immigration issues in the US, the border city has reveled in the attention. A flood of new hotels, restaurants, and other facets of the town have perked up, while the tried and true character that made it such a gem in the past remains.

Few cities offer such a blend of Mexico and the US, and as that balance may tip in the future, it’s a great time to visit. We’d recommend Hotel Indigo. While it’s a big franchise name, Indigos are always designed impeccably, offering an excellent experience at an even better price point.

The Pacific Coast

Ashland Springs Hotel

ashland oregon
Photo: Tripadvisor

Location: Ashland, Oregon
Price: $165+
Vibe: Art Deco Overload
The rundown: A renowned Shakespeare festival in the Southern Oregon mountains? What is this absurdity? While it might be absurd, it’s also bloody brilliant. Travelers come from near and far to enjoy the month-long festival in Ashland—they come back after falling in love with the town.

Far smaller than most of its popular neighboring cities, Ashland is picturesque to a fault. Regularly named at the top of lists with names like “ Best Art Towns in the US,” it’s a curiosity worthy of multiple trips. For a quirky stay, try the Ashland Springs Hotel, a ‘20S Art Deco building towering over the downtown area. 

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Stay in the know

Get expert insight into credit cards, loyalty programs, financial tips, and more with the Smart Points Newsletter.

Related Stories

Smart Points Logo

Stay in the know with
Smart Points Newsletter

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Advertiser Disclosure

This article contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discounts for Our Members

Save Big with Perks

Get $5,000+ in immediate travel savings with Perks. Unlock next level travel benefits, for life. Get discounts from the world’s best travel brands you won’t find anywhere else. No credit required.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is the cornerstone of the DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, daily news, hospitality, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every morning, over 2 Million travelers trust DFC to deliver the latest news and information so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!